I will respectfully disagree, River, about being "worth" an agent, because I think everyone's writing is unique and holds its own beauty, by virtue of just who you are, and that makes you worth EVERYTHING. Really. Just by showing up and wanting to write, you are absolutely worth it. Your writing and your effort is worth it. :)
I will respectfully disagree, River, about being "worth" an agent, because I think everyone's writing is unique and holds its own beauty, by virtue of just who you are, and that makes you worth EVERYTHING. Really. Just by showing up and wanting to write, you are absolutely worth it. Your writing and your effort is worth it. :)
Another thing I was thinking about--even though there is an economic incentive in the agent-writer relationship, it's not the only thing. Agents and editors are people who are passionate about books and writing and ideas first, and money, second. (If any of them were looking to get rich, books isn't it, haha.)
For example, I've had many conversations with my own agent where I've expressed an artistic preference for doing something that will make us both less money but is more fulfilling to me as a writer; likewise, I have turned down lucrative opportunities that just didn't resonate with me, such as ideas that she and I have had that are "on trend" and could probably sell for big bucks but wasn't what I wanted to spend my creative time and energy on. Each time, she has been on my side, because what she cares about most is putting great writing into the world. So if anyone out there is thinking that you have to have huge economic potential to be worth an agent, I don't think that's true.
Additionally, though, what I love about the current publishing landscape is that there are SO many ways now to get your work into the world, with or without an agent. I just happen to be in traditional publishing, but there is now hybrid publishing and self-publishing, Substack and Wattpad... You don't have to go the agent/traditional publisher route anymore to have your work read by others. You can just be YOU and write what you want, and then readers can have your writing without the gatekeepers.
There are pros and cons to all avenues, but at the end of the day, I truly am a champion for everyone writing what they want and being able to express themselves and share their beautiful souls, in whatever way works best for them.
I saw that you subscribed to my community, CREATIVE.INSPIRED.HAPPY. Welcome! I look forward to having you here, River!
I will respectfully disagree, River, about being "worth" an agent, because I think everyone's writing is unique and holds its own beauty, by virtue of just who you are, and that makes you worth EVERYTHING. Really. Just by showing up and wanting to write, you are absolutely worth it. Your writing and your effort is worth it. :)
Another thing I was thinking about--even though there is an economic incentive in the agent-writer relationship, it's not the only thing. Agents and editors are people who are passionate about books and writing and ideas first, and money, second. (If any of them were looking to get rich, books isn't it, haha.)
For example, I've had many conversations with my own agent where I've expressed an artistic preference for doing something that will make us both less money but is more fulfilling to me as a writer; likewise, I have turned down lucrative opportunities that just didn't resonate with me, such as ideas that she and I have had that are "on trend" and could probably sell for big bucks but wasn't what I wanted to spend my creative time and energy on. Each time, she has been on my side, because what she cares about most is putting great writing into the world. So if anyone out there is thinking that you have to have huge economic potential to be worth an agent, I don't think that's true.
Additionally, though, what I love about the current publishing landscape is that there are SO many ways now to get your work into the world, with or without an agent. I just happen to be in traditional publishing, but there is now hybrid publishing and self-publishing, Substack and Wattpad... You don't have to go the agent/traditional publisher route anymore to have your work read by others. You can just be YOU and write what you want, and then readers can have your writing without the gatekeepers.
There are pros and cons to all avenues, but at the end of the day, I truly am a champion for everyone writing what they want and being able to express themselves and share their beautiful souls, in whatever way works best for them.
I saw that you subscribed to my community, CREATIVE.INSPIRED.HAPPY. Welcome! I look forward to having you here, River!